Roscoe Celebrates Its 95th Anniversary

Roscoe recently held our 95th Anniversary Party at Brookfield Zoo's Discovery Center, hosting more than 200 team members, customers and special guests.

Scottish Pride

Showing their Scottish heritage with pride, Dave Johnston played the bag pipes as guests arrived, piped the group into the dining room and played Amazing Grace in honor of friends and loved ones who have passed. Roscoe Team Member and Minister, Wayne Wasion, said an Invocation and Jim Buik, President, greeted guests encouraging them to enjoy a great meal and fellowship.

20 Year Club

Roscoe's 20 Year Club recognizes Team Members who have reached twenty years of service at the company. The first meeting of the club took place in 1955 with 17 members. Currently the club includes 13 Active members and 34 Retired members – with 20 in attendance at the 95th celebration. Terry Phillips, one of Roscoe's veteran Route Service Representatives was inducted into the club and Jeff Wegerson, Information Technology Team Leader was honored for 30 years of service. Roscoe's longest tenured team member, John Sturdivant, with 50 years of service was unable to attend.

Donald W. Buik Way

One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of a ceremonial street sign that will adorn the 3500 W. Harrison Street in honor of past owner Donald W. Buik. Bernard Jennings, Executive Director of the Lawndale Business Renaissance Association presented the sign to Don's son, Jim Buik. Congressman Danny K. Davis addressed the group reflecting on the commitment Roscoe has shown to the Lawndale community, the close working relationship he shared with Don Buik and the progressive nature of Roscoe's culture and core values.

3rd Generation Achievements

Third generation owner, Jim Buik reflected on the numerous achievements the company has accomplished since its 90th Anniversary Party in 2011. Roscoe has settled into its modernized facility hosting over 350 visiting laundries from the US, Canada and Europe. The facility is a showcase of technical know-how and customer service innovation – all as a result of the incredible men and women who work at Roscoe.

The company earned Clean Green Certification in 2012 and re-certified in 2015, by utilizing industry best management practices in resource conservation. Roscoe conducted 5 sustainability projects in 2015 alone that reduced solid waste emissions and saved scarce energy and water resources – earning the Chicago uniform company recognition in winning the Governors Sustainability Award for the second time.

Roscoe's customer retention rate is at a twenty year high due to the strong leadership of its team and the dedicated efforts of our plant, stockroom, service, sales, maintenance and administration team members. Buik also noted the last phase of the modernization project is about to take place with the installation of an upgraded garment sorting system and the transition to Ultra High Frequency Radio Frequency Chips embedded in garments, floor mats and other textiles.

Buik closed with a tribute to his parents, Don and Betty, who recently passed and announced his daughter would soon join the team extending the company to a fourth generation. The night gave way to dancing, fellowship and a sense of pride for those past and present that made it all possible!